Clairault Vineyards
Passionate about the environment and consumer health, Clairault is leading the way in the implementation of an environmentally responsible approach to vineyard management. Clairault uses The Environmentally Responsible Agriculture Farming Company (ERA Farming Company) as consultants to assist in the implementation of this low intervention approach to the growing of wine grapes. The ERA Farming Company is a Western Australian based agribusiness company advising and educating farmers on growing vines through the elimination of chemical use and the introduction of biological farming. (Biological Farming is a mix of organic and conventional farming techniques which places a strong emphasis on soil biology as a critical management factor in all agricultural management systems.) Clairault's farming using a low intervention approach in conjunction with the ERA Farming Company aims to establish practices with a goal of the Estate using minimal chemicals that will ensure that the purest of fruit is produced achieving optimum flavours.
Visionaries first planted grapes in the Margaret River Region of Western Australia over 30 years ago. Clairault Wines was the sixth property to strike out with its first vines gracing the gravely Wilyabrup soils in 1976. Less than four kilometres from the Indian Ocean and having the highest elevation in the region, Clairault has a unique ecosystem which enables us to create distinct and highly textured wines. Its proximity to the cooling ocean influences ensures little to no vintage variation.
The Property comprises of 570 acres (300 hectares) with 120 acres (50 hectares) currently under vines. Of this 70% of the vines are red varieties and 30% white.
Growing conditions in this sub-region of Margaret River are recognized internationally as being the mirror image of Bordeaux. Sunshine hours are slightly higher than its French counterpart with a lower average rainfall. Bordeaux varietals thrive throughout the district. Chardonnay also plays a pivotal part in the regions growth.
The aim of Clairault is to produce exceptional wines through Estate grown grapes which ensures total quality control. In the Vineyard, this has involved a selective expansion programme and investment into mature vine management. The existing vineyard has been reworked and vine plantings have increased from 30 to 120 acres. In addition, the crushing capacity of the winery has tripled to accommodate the ever growing demand for Clairault’s wine domestically and overseas.
